At Wilsthorpe we aim to deliver a high-quality Computing education that empowers students to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. Computing has deep links with Mathematics, Science, and Design and Technology and provides insights into both natural and artificial systems. 

We have a highly motivated and experienced department who have industry experience working in the fields of Computing and IT Support. Our students are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work and how to put this knowledge to use through programming. Building on this knowledge and understanding, we push students to use computing skills and information technology to create a range of programs that accomplish given goals. 

Our progressive curriculum ensures that pupils become digitally literate – able to use and express themselves and develop their ideas through Information Technology at a level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world.

The Key Stage 3 Computing curriculum is designed to provide students with a foundational understanding of computer science and to develop their computational thinking skills. The curriculum aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and understanding they need to use technology effectively and safely.

The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including:

  • Computer systems: Students learn about the different components of a computer system, such as the central processing unit (CPU), memory, storage, and input and output devices. They also learn about the different types of software, such as system software and application software.
  • Networking: Students learn about the different types of networks, such as local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs), and the protocols used to transmit data over these networks.
  • Data representation: Students learn about the different ways in which data can be represented, such as in binary, hexadecimal, and ASCII. They also learn about the importance of data representation in computer systems.
  • Algorithms: Students learn about the importance of algorithms in computer science and how they can be used to solve problems. They also learn how to use flowcharts to represent algorithms.
  • Programming: Students learn the basics of programming using a high-level programming language, such as Python. They learn how to write simple programs and how to debug and test code.
  • Computing and society: Students learn about the ethical, legal, and societal implications of technology. They learn about online safety, data privacy, and how to use technology responsibly.

At Key Stage 4 students have the option to choose to study Computer Science and/or Creative iMedia further. 

OCR GCSE Computer Science

https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse/computer-science-j277-from-2020/  

 The Computing course gives students in-depth understanding of how computer technology works. Students will no doubt be familiar with the use of computers and related technology from their other subjects and elsewhere. However, we aim to give them an insight into what goes on ‘behind the scenes’, which includes computer programming. The course provides excellent preparation for higher study and employment in the field of Computer Science. 

The course develops critical thinking, analysis and problem-solving skills through the study of computer programming, giving students a fun and interesting way to develop these skills, which can then be transferred to other subjects and even applied in day-to-day life.  

In this respect, the course provides excellent preparation for students who want to study or work in areas that rely on these skills, especially where they are applied to technical problems. These areas include engineering, financial and resource management, science and medicine. 

OCR Level 1/2 Cambridge National Certificate in Creative iMedia

https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/cambridge-nationals/creative-imedia-level-1-2-award-certificate-j807-j817/  

This qualification allows students to think creatively and innovatively to produce creative iMedia products. All students will study two mandatory topics. The first of these focus on developing the students’ understanding of pre-production skills that are used in the creative and digital media sector, meeting the needs of the client, planning and creating pre-production documentation and reviewing output will all feature heavily in this first topic. 

The second of these mandatory topics of study will build on the first, enabling students to demonstrate pre-production skills and techniques as they plan and create new digital graphics to meet a specific client brief. Knowledge and understanding will be reinforced and enhanced as students create their own unique digital graphic solution. 

In addition, students will undertake two further topics of study from the following areas 

  • Multipage website creation 
  • Digital animation  
  • Interactive multimedia product creation 

The hands-on approach of this qualification has strong relevance to the way young people use the technology required in today’s society. In addition to developing creative digital skills and knowledge, students will acquire a number of essential transferable skills such as planning, research and analysis, working with other people and communicating creative concepts effectively, all of which are relevant to work or going on to further study. 

Computer Science is a practical & creative subject that combines invention and excitement and allows students to look at the natural world through a digital lens. This qualification is suited to students who enjoy programming and want to continue to develop not only their programming skills but their computational thinking. Both are highly relevant skillsets for tomorrow’s workplace. You will continue to develop programming using python as the main programming language. Other languages will be introduced; however, python will continue to be the main language used throughout the course.

Achievement in this qualification can support progression to go on and study relevant Computer Science & IT degrees in a Higher Education institution such as Computing and IT, Computing Science, Software Developments, Software Engineering, IT and Computer Networks or Business Information Systems.

There are three elements to the course. These are:

  • Computer Systems – 40%
  • Algorithms & Programming – 40%
  • Programming Project – 20%

Computer Systems and Algorithms & Programming will be taught independently of each other as they both lead to separate final exams. However, many of the concepts and techniques taught across the Algorithms & Programming side of the course will appear within the Computer Systems side of the course.

The programming project is an opportunity for you to develop a completely unique program in an area of your own interest. You can complete the project using a programming language of your choice. Previous projects have included: Bespoke job quote systems for tradespeople, A Turing test, A website for car auctions, A revision website to name a few.

Students study towards the OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate in IT 

https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/cambridge-technicals/information-technology/#level-3  

IT is an exciting subject due to the constantly changing speed of technological developments within industry.  IT skills are considered to be key skills for life in the 21st century.  This qualification is designed for students who want to continue their education by developing their knowledge and understanding of the principles of IT, global information systems, computer networks and cyber security. 

Achievement in this qualification can support progression to go on and study relevant IT degrees in a Higher Education institution such as Computing and IT, Computing Science, Software Developments, Software Engineering, IT and Computer Networks or Business Information Systems. 

There are three mandatory units. These are 

  • The Fundamentals of IT. 
  • Global information. 
  • Cyber Security. 

The first two mandatory units provide students with an insight into the IT sector as they investigate the pace of technological change, IT infrastructure, the flow of information on a global scale and important legal and security considerations. Students will also study Cyber Security, which reflects an important development in the sector around information security, teaching students to consider how data should be protected and the response of the IT sector to emerging threats such as cyber terrorism. All units assist in the development of transferable skills such as communication and problem solving. The optional units encourage the development of time management, research and analytical skills as well as emphasising the need for good written and verbal communication skills. 

IT And Computing Wider Reading

In addition, the following links will take you to useful resources for exam revision and coursework support materials: 

www.brantacan.co.uk  

www.teachingplastics.org  

www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/bridge  

www.iee.org  

www.st-andrews.ac.uk/~www_pa/Scots_Guide/intro/electron.htm  

www.madlab.org  

Visit the following page for an extensive list of helpful websites related to Technology, courtesy of ‘TechnologyStudent.com’   

The sites were recommended by the World Association of Technology Teachers: 

http://www.technologystudent.com/gener/linkspg1.htm 

Careers 

www.futuremorph.org 

www.icould.com 

www.thebuzzbook.co.uk